Omega Constellation 2782 w/ original box, papers and strap. Military provenance.

     Omega introduced its “Constellation” line in the early 1950’s starting with the reference 2648. The Constellation was Omega’s top-of-the-line model, offering chronometre certified bumper automatic movements and a medallion on the caseback depicting an observatory with 8 stars - each of which represent the 8 records omega set Geneva observatory trials. 
     Constellations featured a variety of case and dial designs over the years. Early references in the Constellation lineage featured cases with lyre style lugs. Later, Omega commissioned the famous Gerald Genta to redesign their iconic Constellation model where we saw the "dogleg" constellation introduced. 
     This reference, a 2782, represents a lot of what we love about vintage watch collecting. Included in the sale is the original box, paperwork and leather strap that were sold with the watch back in 1956! From the paperwork we can deduce that the watch was originally purchased in Verdun. We see the location mention: Apo 122. After some investigative work we here at SCV came to find out that there was a United States Army base at that specific location, operational from 1952 - 1967. Another clue we were given was the name of the person the watch was delivered to: "Anthony W. .Annunziata." Given those 3 clues: 1) The name 2) location of delivery and 3) name of the army base we were eventually able to locate the original owners obituary: https://obits.syracuse.com/us/obituaries/syracuse/name/anthony-annunziata-obituary?id=38477982

In summary, Dr. Anthony William Annunziata was born on March 5, 1931. He served in the U.S Army during the Korean Conflict. Following his service he earned his Masters and Ph.D degrees from New York University. He spent his entire 37 hear career as a professor of English at SUNY Oswego where he eventually earned the rank "Professor Emeritus." During his tenure he develped visionary cources on the literature of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. He passed away on November 22, 2022. He was 91 years old. 
 
   

ABOUT THIS WATCH: 

MANUFACTURER: Omega

MODEL:  Constellation

REFERENCE:  2782

SERIAL: 139xxxxx

YEAR: 1956

CASE: The previously polished 35mm  steel case is in fair shape. The original bevel on the bezel has been lost due to previous polishing; however, the lugs still retain strong lines. All 8 stars are present on the snapback case back medallion however some definition has been lost. The crystal was replaced some time in the past. The case is completed by the watches original and correct thick decagonal crown. 

DIAL: The original, two-tone, crosshair dial is in good shape. There is patina that can be appreciated in the center circle. The dial features beautiful applied gold arrowhead hour markers: the most desirable omega constellation hour  marker configuration. It sports matching gold dauphine hands. It is a non luminous dial. 

MOVEMENT:  Omega automatic bumper caliber 354. Service history is unknown. The watch was timed over 24hrs. The 24hrs included periods of wear/non-wear and compared to atomic EST. Over 24hrs the watch gained 4 seconds. 

BRACELET:  Comes on the pictured like new, gently used Ostrich TUNS leather strap complete with quick release spring bars. Included with the sale is the original leather strap that Omega presented the watch with all the way back in 1956. 

ACCESSORIES: Original Box, Papers & strap. 

BOX/PAPERS: Yes. 

BANK WIRE PRICE: $2,250